Nigel Tao introduces Handsum, a new custom image file format designed for Low Quality Image Placeholders (LQIPs) that offers fixed byte sizes ranging from 48 to 147 bytes. Based on the Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT), Handsum aims to simplify database storage for thumbnails by allowing fixed-size columns, while also serving as an educational tool for understanding the more complex JPEG standard.
Background
Low Quality Image Placeholders (LQIPs) like Blurhash and Thumbhash are widely used to improve perceived page load speeds by displaying small, quick-loading placeholders before high-resolution images finish downloading. Existing solutions vary in complexity and file structure, prompting developers to explore simpler or more optimized alternatives for specific use cases like database storage.
- Source
- Lobsters
- Published
- Jul 12, 2026 at 02:34 AM
- Score
- 5.0 / 10